Private Elafiti Boat Tour- Visit Blue Cave and beach Sunj

The best part of this private Dubrovnik boat tour is the freedom to shape your day on the water. You can swim at the Blue Cave, visit three caves, jump from rocks, and stretch out on sandy Šunj Beach, while your skipper adjusts the pace and may steer you toward a calm bay if the sea gets choppy.

I like the small private setting and the newer Atlantic Open 670 boat, with a shower, towels, shade, music, and drinks included. I also like the helpful local touch: captains Maro and Mari have arranged lunch reservations and suggested good places to eat. The main point to check is boat capacity, since the information says both up to seven people aboard and a price for groups up to eight.

Key points at a glance

• Blue Cave swimming: See the cave’s deep colors from the water, with time for a swim.
• Three cave stops: The route includes several cave visits, plus snorkeling and rock jumping.
• Šunj Beach: Enjoy one of the Elafiti Islands’ sandy beaches, a welcome change from Croatia’s usual pebbly shore.
• Private Atlantic Open 670: The 2023 boat has a 150-horsepower Honda engine, Bimini shade, a shower, and marine audio.
• Flexible timing: Choose a four-hour half-day, an eight-hour full day, or discuss a custom schedule.
• Skipper-led planning: English and Croatian are available, and the skipper can help with swimming bays and lunch plans.

Setting out from Lapadska obala 4

You meet the boat at Lapadska obala 4, where the skipper waits on the dock. The starting point is practical for a Dubrovnik boat day, and the tour returns to the same place, so you do not need to arrange a separate ride from another harbor.

The boat is an Atlantic Open 670 from 2023, measuring 6.70 meters long. It uses a Honda 150-horsepower engine, which gives the skipper enough power to cover the island route within a half-day or full-day outing.

You are not joining a large excursion boat with a fixed script. This is a private group with an English-speaking skipper, so your party gets the boat to itself. That matters most if your group wants a mix of swimming, sightseeing, quiet time, and lunch rather than a strict schedule.

The boat has a Bimini canopy for shade, a shower, Boss Marine audio, Wi-Fi, towels, and cold drinks. Water and soft drinks are included, along with beer and wine. Food is not included, so plan to buy lunch separately if you take the full-day option.

One detail deserves a quick message before you pay: the tour information describes the boat as accommodating up to seven people, while the price is listed for a group of up to eight. Ask the operator to confirm the exact maximum for your date and group.

The Elafiti Islands by private boat

The Elafiti Islands sit off Dubrovnik and make a good escape from the city’s stone streets and busy waterfront. The attraction here is not a long list of monuments. It is the time spent moving through clear coastal water, stopping where conditions and your interests line up.

The suggested route includes scenic cruising, sightseeing, free time, swimming, snorkeling, and photo stops. Your skipper can tailor the order, which is useful because sea conditions may affect the most exposed stops.

A private boat also lets you spend less time waiting. If your group is happy after a swim, you can move on. If a cave or quiet bay catches your attention, you can ask to stay longer, subject to the skipper’s judgment and weather.

This flexibility is especially useful on a four-hour trip. A half-day gives you enough time for several highlights, but not endless time at every stop. An eight-hour outing is the better choice if you want a slower pace, lunch, and longer beach time.

Blue Cave and the three cave stops

The Blue Cave is the headline stop. You can expect the cave’s strongest appeal to come from its changing blue tones and the feeling of reaching a place that is accessible from the sea rather than by road.

Swimming is part of the experience, so bring a swimsuit and use the included snorkeling gear if you want to look below the surface. Towels are supplied, which saves room in your day bag.

The tour also includes three caves. The available details do not give each cave a separate name or describe its exact size, so you should think of this as a series of short coastal explorations rather than a formal cave tour with extensive interpretation.

Rock jumping adds a little adventure for those who want it. It is optional, and you should only jump where the skipper confirms that conditions are safe. The combination of cave swimming, snorkeling, and rock jumping gives the day more variety than a simple boat ride.

Sea conditions can change the feel of this portion. One previous outing had slightly rough weather, but the skipper found a calmer bay. That is a useful sign of what good boat handling means here: the best day is not necessarily the day that follows the route rigidly, but the day that adapts sensibly to the water.

Šunj Beach and a rare sandy shoreline

Šunj Beach is one of the most appealing stops for anyone tired of Croatia’s familiar pebble beaches. The sand gives you a softer place to sit, walk, or stretch out between swims.

The beach stop also breaks up the boat time. You can step ashore, enjoy a change of scenery, and take photographs before returning to the water.

Do not expect the full-day tour to feel like a beach resort package. The itinerary combines Šunj with caves, snorkeling, island cruising, and other stops. Your time on the sand depends on the schedule you agree on with the skipper.

If Šunj is your top priority, say so at the start. On a private trip, that conversation is worthwhile. You can ask for more beach time and fewer short stops, or do the reverse if your group prefers the caves.

A boat built for a small private group

The Atlantic Open 670 is a compact open boat, not a large cabin cruiser. That makes it well suited to quick access to coves and close-up coastal sightseeing, but it also means you should be comfortable spending several hours outside.

The Bimini provides shade, a welcome feature during a long sunny outing. The shower is useful after swimming, and the towels mean you do not need to bring bulky beach towels from your accommodation.

The included cold drinks are another small but practical benefit. Water and soft drinks cover the basics, while beer and wine are available for adults. Drink responsibly, especially if you plan to swim or the sea is unsettled.

The private format is the boat’s biggest advantage. You can talk with the skipper, ask for suggestions, enjoy family time, or simply sit quietly between stops. One past trip worked well because the captain offered advice and conversation without taking over the group’s time.

The boat is described as holding up to seven people, while the listed rate covers as many as eight. This is not a detail to ignore. Confirm the capacity before booking, particularly if you have a full group.

What the skipper adds to the day

The skipper is more than a person at the wheel. This tour works best when you use the skipper’s local judgment.

Maro and Mari have captained previous outings. Maro was specifically praised for offering cave tips, helping with lunch arrangements, and balancing conversation with private family time. Mari was described as accommodating and helpful, and took the group to a good place for lunch.

The skipper can suggest Mediterranean restaurants and make a reservation. That is valuable on a full-day tour, since you avoid spending part of your limited island time searching for somewhere to eat.

Food remains your own expense. Ask about the recommended restaurant, expected prices, and timing before you settle on a lunch stop. If your group has dietary needs, mention them early so the skipper can suggest a suitable place.

The available guide languages are English and Croatian. That is enough for clear communication about the route, safety, swimming stops, and lunch plans.

Four hours or eight hours on the Adriatic

The half-day options are listed as 10:00 to 14:00 or 14:00 to 18:00. These four-hour windows suit you if you want a focused outing before or after another Dubrovnik plan.

A half-day can include the Blue Cave, cave stops, snorkeling, and Šunj Beach, but you should not expect long stays everywhere. Your group will get more from it if you agrees on priorities at the dock.

The full-day option runs from 10:00 to 18:00. Eight hours gives the route room to breathe. You can spend longer swimming, allow time for lunch, and make better use of the skipper’s local suggestions.

You can also ask about a custom departure or tailor-made route. The exact schedule depends on availability and weather, so confirm the start time when booking.

For most families and groups of friends, I would choose the full day if the boat is the main event. Choose four hours if you want a taste of the islands without giving up an entire day in Dubrovnik.

Price and what you receive for it

The listed price is $454 per private group up to eight. If eight people are confirmed, that works out to about $57 per person. If the actual boat limit is seven, the comparable cost is about $65 per person.

That price includes the skipper, fuel, cold drinks, Wi-Fi, snorkeling gear, towels, final cleaning, and VAT. These inclusions matter because fuel can add a noticeable cost to a private speedboat outing, and you are not paying extra for basic swimming equipment or onboard drinks.

Food is the main extra expense. A full-day group should budget for lunch, while a half-day group may prefer to eat before or after the trip.

The value depends on group size. For two people, $454 is a substantial private outing. For six or seven people, the cost becomes more reasonable, especially since you get exclusive use of the boat and the ability to alter the pace.

This is not the cheapest way to see the Elafiti Islands. It can be good value if you care about privacy, flexible stops, and a skipper who helps shape the day. If you only want transport from Dubrovnik to one beach, a shared boat may cost less.

Weather, comfort, and who should book

Weather is central to this experience. If conditions are unsuitable, the operator will reschedule the tour. That policy protects the outing, but you should keep a little flexibility in your Dubrovnik plans.

A small open boat can feel lively on the water. One skipper handled slightly rough conditions by finding a calmer bay, but you should still expect some motion. If you are prone to seasickness, ask about conditions and consider taking sensible precautions.

The tour is not suitable for pregnant women or people with mobility impairments. The boat, dock access, swimming stops, and rock-jumping setting may be difficult for anyone who needs step-free access or extra support.

This outing suits you best if you:

• Want a private day rather than a fixed group cruise
• Enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and short active stops
• Like the idea of a sandy beach mixed with caves and open-water cruising
• Can handle a compact boat and changing sea conditions
• Want local help choosing a lunch spot
• Are traveling with family or friends who can share the group price

It is less suitable if you want detailed historical commentary, a large stable vessel, or a fully accessible activity. The focus is the water, the scenery, and the freedom to adjust the route.

Should you book the Elafiti boat tour?

Book it if you want a flexible private boat day from Dubrovnik, especially with a group large enough to share the $454 cost. The strongest reasons are the Blue Cave, three cave stops, sandy Šunj Beach, included drinks and equipment, and the skipper’s ability to find calmer water or arrange lunch.

Choose the full eight-hour option if you want the boat to be the centerpiece of your day. Choose four hours for a shorter taste of the islands.

Before booking, confirm the boat’s exact passenger limit, ask which skipper is scheduled, and tell the operator your priorities. If your group wants swimming, caves, beach time, and a relaxed lunch, this trip gives you the right framework. If you prefer a low-cost transfer or need accessible facilities, choose another option.

FAQ

Where does the boat tour start?

The tour starts at Lapadska obala 4. The boat with the skipper waits on the dock.

Where does the tour finish?

The activity returns to Lapadska obala 4, the same meeting point.

How long does the tour last?

You can book a four-hour half-day or an eight-hour full-day outing. Half-day times are listed as 10:00 to 14:00 and 14:00 to 18:00. Custom timing may also be possible.

What islands and sights are included?

The tour visits the Elaphiti Islands and includes the Blue Cave, three caves, and Šunj sandy beach. The route also includes sightseeing, scenic cruising, snorkeling, and free time.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling gear and towels are included.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Water, soft drinks, beer, and wine are included on board. Food is not included.

What languages does the skipper speak?

The tour is available with a live guide in English or Croatian.

Can the tour be canceled or rescheduled?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If weather makes the outing unsuitable, the operator will reschedule the tour.